Quick thread on some Ø thoughts: I think what can separate Ødegaard from receiving similar treatment to that of Ceballos, Jovic, Militao, & others is the Norwegian's attitude and work ethic.

For those who have watched Zidane's OTRO interview (1/7) https://www.managingmadrid.com/2020/4/11/21217476/after-hours-spent-with-real-sociedad-coach-alguacil-improving-odegaards-play

the most important element is that a player be a good teammate first & foremost. The second is the work ethic.

Casemiro is undisputed because he meticulously takes care of his body, studies / watches film to improve and scout the opposition, and trains like an animal. (2/7)

Ødegaard is similar in that regard. His former Vitesse coach, Slutsky, said the following:

"He takes care of himself, eats properly and is hyper professional. Almost like a robot." (3/7)

Real Sociedad are enamored with him because he is not only an incredible professional, but a good person. He's grounded. These things matter to Zidane. He has a hunger to learn and improve. (4/7) https://www.managingmadrid.com/2019/8/27/20834339/odegaard-impresses-real-sociedad-staff-with-his-discipline-and-fitness-levels

Ceballos has been called out by Arteta before for not having the right attitude in training. Jovic, from the outside, appears to lack some discipline and Serbian outlets have suggested he hasn't taken his move seriously enough. Theo was a party animal. There are outliers.. (5/7)

Llorente, Odri, Brahim, Mariano. But I think Zidane simply did not rate their talent high enough for RM - at least for Marcos and Odri. Llorente is just now starting to break in at Atleti and Odriozola has not had a sniff at BM, so it gives credence to Zidane's evaluation (6/7).

In most cases, ZZ has been clear with the player what their role will be - Brahim was asked to leave on loan, he was told mins would be slim. Mariano the same. When Regui, Ceballos, & Llorente were told that - they decided to leave. So if Ø does come back, he will have assurances